Want You Back

Chapter 4

•Elliana•

I sipped my cold coffee and closed my eyes as a breeze blew across my hot skin. The sun was beaming down making the distinctive Australia heat even hotter.

"I'm glad you thought to bring sunnies because I think I might actually go blind out here. Especially with this hangover," Luke groaned running his hand through his curls. Is hair seemed to glow in sunlight as if it was made of gold.

I nodded in agreement, "What do you remember from last night?"

He shrugged taking a sip of his water. I should probably be drinking the same thing, but coffee just sounded so good this morning.

"Honestly I just remembered you crying into your ice cream and watching Moulin Rouge three times," he tapped is finger on his water bottle while thinking, "and listening to I Will Always Love You."

I chuckled not remembering the night fully, but remembering pieces of Luke yelling drunkenly at the TV and me screaming I Will Always Love You. Despite all that I still felt a dull ache in my chest and unfortunately it wasn't from too much alcohol.

He raised his eyebrows, "How did you convince me in doing all that again?"

"Because we're both heartbroken young adults who are desperately trying to mend ourselves," I shrugged with a small smile.

"Fair enough. So, since that obviously didn't work and now we're hungover. What was that promise you were talking about?"

I took a sip of my coffee and thought for a moment. It all started with a lie. That was our detonator waiting to explode. If he hadn't tried to impress his family. I would have never made a promise that everyone knew was going to be broken.

"A lie led to that stupid promise that was made to be broken."

-two years ago-

The day was picture perfect with the sky a soft shade of blue, only a few clouds in the sky, and a light breeze to cool the heat of the day. It was too pretty outside not to sit for a bit and enjoy it while reading. I had yet to finish Gatsby because I was constantly busy with tutoring and studies. In the bleachers I found a comfortable spot looking towards the visitors side across the football field with the rickety shed sitting next to it.

My blazer was folded neatly beside me it being too warm to wear. I propped open my book reading along to the story I knew by heart now. I had always admired Jordan Baker, Daisy's friend and Nick's love interest, out of all the characters. She was so perceptive and did what she wanted yet always calculated the risks. I wished I could be at least half as care free as she was.

The breeze blew lightly cooling my hot skin from the sun. I shadow covered me blocking the sunshine. I glanced up to see none other than Ashton. I sighed and continued reading attempting to ignore him.

"Nice to see you too sweetheart," he huffed. Knowing he wasn't going to leave I slipped my book mark in and gently shut my book. I just stared up at him waiting for him to tell me what he possibly wanted from me. He probably came to harass me again. It seemed to be his favorite thing to do now days besides seeking to the art room with Taylor.

"Look I know you don't like me. Trust me I don't like you either, but I need to ask a favor of you," he sighed running his hands through his hair.

I rolled my eyes and shook my head, "If I don't like you why would I do you a favor?"

"Because you like helping people. You organized the toy drive for the orphans. You some how got the school to approve a summer trip to volunteer at the animal sanctuary and you always work fundraisers. So consider this an act for a good cause," he tried reasoning. I pursed my lips. He was seriously comparing himself to an orphan or an animal sanctuary. He never failed to amaze me with the things he said.